PRESBYTERY OF THE PEAKS AUGUST 18, 2018 TRINITY ECUMENICAL PARISH MONETA, VIRGINIA

Transcription

1 PRESBYTERY OF THE PEAKS ONE HUNDRED SEVENTEENTH STATED MEETING AUGUST 18, 2018 TRINITY ECUMENICAL PARISH MONETA, VIRGINIA PRESBYTERY OF THE PEAKS SYNOD OF THE MID-ATLANTIC PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH (USA) 108 Melinda Dr. Lynchburg, Virginia

2 Presbytery of the Peaks One Hundred Seventeenth Stated Meeting Trinity Ecumenical Parish, Moneta, VA August 18, 2018 The MISSION of the Presbytery of the Peaks (approved by POP 11/06) is to: enhance and empower congregations and leaders to become bold servants of transformation for the glory of the Triune God TABLE OF CONTENTS: PAGE Attendance 1 Welcome, Call to Order, Declaration of a Quorum 6 Moderator Appointments 6 Approval of Docket and Consent Agenda 6 We Gather to Worship and Serve Communion 6 We Gather to Learn 11 General Assembly Report 11 Ministry Made Possible 11 Final Report of the Administrative Commission for Covenant 11 Presbyterian Church, Lynchburg Report of the Committee on Leadership 14 Report of the Committee on Administration 15 Report of the Transitional General Presbyter 16 Report of the Examinations Committee 16 Report of the Committee on Ministry 24 Report of the Committee on Preparation for Ministry 28 Report of the Nominating Committee 30 Report of the Cabinet 31 Report of the Trustees of the Presbytery of the Peaks 32 Report of the Presbyterian Women 32 Report of the Sessions Record Workgroup 33 Report of the Stated Clerk 34 Report of the Committee on Church Development 34 Report of the Mission Study Workgroup 35 Closing Business: Attendance/Absences/Resolution of Appreciation 36 Appendix A: Staff Responsibilities 38 Appendix B: Financials for June and July Appendix C: Session Records Reviewed by Year 50 Appendix D: 2019 Terms of Call, First Read 54 John Wiederholt Stated Clerk Dick Boswell Moderator

3 ATTENDANCE 8/18/18 PRESBYTERY MEETING Active Ministers of the Word and Sacrament Present Matthew Aldas Paul Johnson Kristin Reinhold Kyle Allen Jacob Kave Dave Roberts Amanda Bowman Russell Lee Rachel Shepherd Matthew Bowman Elizabeth Link James Smith Paul Brokaw Sarah Martin Betsy Soto Dale Brown Chad McCain Eduardo Soto Steve Darr Robert McLavey Catherine Taylor Janice Fraser Melissa McNair-King Carl Utley Mark Hinchcliff Russ Merritt Morgan Whitfield Geoff Hubbard Kristi Miles John Wiederholt Herndon Jeffreys Bea Miller Brent Williams Kim Jeffreys Christy Mitchell Steve Willis Jane Johnson Mikel Pugh Active Ministers of the Word and Sacrament Excused Ellen Anderson Jason Grimes Will Robinson George Anderson Skip Hastings John Salley Philip Bouknight Keith Leach Peter Thompson Kathy Carpenter Gary Marshall Rachel Thompson Stewart Childress Lisa Marshall Andrew Whaley Janet Chisom Loren Mitchell Robin Williamson Steve Earl Tom Robinson Active Ministers of the Word and Sacrament Absent Jonathan Barker Michael Hickman Monte Mitchell Kenneth Chorle Jeff Kisner Allison Unroe Linda Dickerson Don Makin Rodney Wilson Robert Hall Amy Merrill-Willis Ministers At Large Present Kim Steinhorst Susan Verbrugge Ministers At Large Absent Tupper Garden Catherine Snyder Ellen Woodworth Todd Hester Charles Willoughby 1

4 Ministers At Large Excused David Etheridge Andy King Honorably Retired Ministers of the Word and Sacrament Attending: Ted Brossoie David Gellert Hugh Springer Bob Button Joe McCutchen George Wilson David Dickerson Gary Scheidt C.P s Attending Margie Anderson Terri Cornwell William Rountree Phil Berry Al Jacobs Dick Boswell Barbara Jacobs C.P Excused Richard Henderson Tony Ward C.P s Absent Joe Allmond Jennifer Makin Gary Pillow Todd Atkins Bill Meneeley Mike Price Lynwood Ladd Kelvin Perry Cabinet and Committee Chairs Attending Pam Claterbaugh John Erb John Fedison Smith Chaney Helen Dean Ed McElmurray Sue Bentley Voting Elders for Churches Altavista Appomattox CH Bedford Berry Hill Bluemont Buchanan Campbell Memorial Campbell Memorial Chatham Christiansburg Clarksville Kevin debernard Lois Eaton Paul Van Dyke Judy Edwards Elmo McAlexander Peggy Ramsey Roger Dalton Tom Gisiner Steve Creasy Shelda Wills Katie Peters 2

5 Collinsville, First Cool Spring Covenant Covenant Covington, First Cumberland Danville, First Diamond Hill Drakes Branch Fairlawn Fifth Avenue Fifth Avenue Fincastle Floyd Forest Green Ridge High Bridge Holbrook St. Lynchburg, First Lynchburg, First Martinsville, First Maysville Mizpah New Concord New Dublin Oak Level Oak View Old Brick Peace Pearisburg Pulaski, First Quaker Memorial Raleigh Court Roanoke Valley Saint Andrew Salem Second Second Trinity Ecumenical Unity Westminster Kym Wiederholt Marilyn Hubbard Bob Foard Walter Jones Martha Carter Michael Hightower Ray Beale William Hankla Raymond Toombs Diane Patty Joyce Bolden Ray Williams Robert Omer Jim Richards Virginia Lenz Jeff Echols Gayle Tolley Elease Wilson Catherine Adams Roberta Miller Monica Stevens Marianne Dennison Gail McCullough Bruce Reid Jim Bell Carolyn Young Geraldine Hubbard Sharon Teany Leisha Cook Michael Nevergold Joe Zagrapan Diane Baldwin Sandra Whitt Teresa Agnew Dudley Raine, Jr. Nancy Gattoni Jennifer Powell Cindy Smith Van Mauney Sherri Tuck Cary Roberts 3

6 Churches not represented by a Voting Elder Amherst Gethsemane New Store Appomattox PE Glasgow Northminster Arvon Glen Wilton Northside Beale Memorial Grace Old Concord Belmont Harmony Peaks Belspring Hat Creek Phenix Bethlehem Hermon Pisgah Blacksburg Holmes Memorial Providence Browns Jamestown Radford Buffalo Kayser Memorial Roanoke Clifton Forge Kentuck Rocky Mount College Low Moor Rough Creek Colonial Madisonville Rustburg Concord Mallow Shelton Memorial Coolwell Mary Horner Walker Sinking Spring Danube Massies Mill South Boston, First Davis Memorial Mayberry Trinity, Arvonia Douglas McAllister Memorial Trinity, Ridgeway Falling Spring RC Meherrin Village Farmville Mercy Seat Villamont Fellowship Montvale Virginia Forest Hills Mt. Carmel West End Fork Union Narrows, First Williamson Memorial Visiting Ruling Elders Bob Bielawski, Northminster Frankie Bielawski, Northminster Connie Canova, Trinity Ecumenical Tom Dennison, Maysville Leigh Edwards, Berry Hill Beth Groover, Saint Andrew Laurie Hightower, Cumberland Naomi Hodge Muse, Grace Wanda Hylton, Floyd Howard Jennings, Quaker Memorial Gina Kaknis, Roanoke Valley Eunafaye McAlexander, Bluemont Charles Miller, First, Lynchburg Shelly Smith, Clarksville William Smith, Clarksville Dale van Osten, Mercy Seat Margaret Watkins, Oak Level Janice Nevergold, Pearisburg Shirley Morris, Quaker Memorial Nikki Kariuki, Quaker Memorial Katherine Peters, Clarksville Jean Pagerie, Clarksville Ralph Stauard, Oak View Gwynn Atkins, Colonial Ginny Fedison, Covenant John Collins, Chatham David Phelps, Trinity Ecumenical Laura Jane Ramsburg, Covenant 4

7 Visiting Ministers John McDonald Brian Miles Nicole Ball Carl Pattison Maxine Edwards Other Visitors Present John Blair, Bedford Judy Blair, Bedford Gael Chaney, First, Martinsville Richard Claterbaugh, Green Ridge Dave Hayes, Blacksburg Joe Wilson, First, Covington Jessica Francis, Quaker Memorial Benton Tuck, Unity Harriet Beale, First, Danville Robert Thaxton, Clarksville Jessie Ruff, Clarksville Donna Pool, Clarksville Bev Scheidt, Clarksville Eric Scheidt, Clarksville Jean Alley, Clarksville Dottie Thaxton, Clarksville Guy Pealer, Clarksville Candidate: Annette Goard Staff Not Counted Elsewhere Julie Dyke Robin Padgett Denise Pillow 5

8 WE GATHER IN GOD S NAME Registration began at 8:30 a.m. with an Orientation offered at 9:00 a.m. for Elders and Ministers of the Word and Sacrament new to the Presbytery or attending a meeting of the Presbytery of the Peaks for the first time. WELCOME, CALL TO ORDER, DECLARATION OF A QUORUM The One Hundred Seventeenth Meeting of the Presbytery of the Peaks was called to order by Moderator Dick Boswell at 9:30 a.m., on August 18, 2018 in the sanctuary of Trinity Ecumenical Parish in Moneta, VA declaring with the affirmation of the Stated Clerk the presence of a quorum, and offering words of welcome and leading in prayer. Associate Pastor of the host church, Bea Miller, offered a warm welcome to all. The Moderator welcomed and recognized all first time commissioners, YAADS, and guests. MODERATOR APPOINTMENTS The moderator appointed the following: Tellers: Roberta Miller, First, Lynchburg Charles Miller, First, Lynchburg Resolution of Appreciation: Ed McElmurray, Covenant Presbyterian Church ADOPTION OF THE DOCKET AND CONSENT AGENDA Motion for Approval was presented by Stated Clerk, John Wiederholt. John made a motion that the agenda include the report of the Cabinet following the report of the Nominating Committee. Motion was Approved. Agenda was Approved with one change. WE GATHER TO WORSHIP AND SHARE COMMUNION Prelude Mr. Aaron Garber and Mr. Ken Hitchcock *Call to Worship Mr. Shea Berbaum, Liturgist Cry out with joy to the Lord, all the earth. Worship the Lord with gladness. Come into God s presence with singing! The grace of the Lord Jesus Christ be with you all. And also with you. Let us worship God. 6

9 *Hymn of Praise No. 328 God s Holy Ways Are Just and True God s holy ways are just and true, his promises are ever new, O praise him, alleluia! Let every heart with praises sing and make this house with voices ring: O praise him, O praise him! Alleluia, alleluia, alleluia! Bring back to mind his grace and love, our needs provided from above; O praise him, alleluia! He kept his word and Jesus came to make a people for his name; O praise him, O praise him! Alleluia, alleluia, alleluia! Tell once again his deeds of old, the story of our mighty God, O praise him, alleluia! For all his glorious works and ways we shall rejoice through endless days; O praise him, O praise him! Alleluia, alleluia, alleluia! *Confession and Pardon The grace of God overflows for us through Christ Jesus who came into the world to save sinners. Trusting in God s grace, let us confess our sin. O Lord our God, you call us to work for a world where all will be fed and have dignity, but we find ourselves distracted by our own desires. You call us to seek justice and peace, but we are satisfied with injustice and discord. You call us to bring liberty to the oppressed, but we do not insist on freedom for all. Forgive us, O Lord. Turn us to your will by the power of your Spirit, so that all may know your justice and peace; through Jesus Christ, your Son, our Savior. Amen. The mercy of the Lord is from everlasting to everlasting. I declare to you, in the name of Jesus Christ, we are forgiven! Thanks be to God. Prayer for Illumination Lord, open our hearts and minds by the power of your Holy Spirit, that as the Scriptures are read and your Word is proclaimed, we may hear with joy what you say to us today. Amen. Scripture Annette Goard 7

10 Sermon Annette Goard, Candidate for Ordination Pastor-elect of Clarksville PC *Hymn No. 768 I Come with Joy I come with joy to meet my Lord, forgiven, loved and free, in awe and wonder to recall his life laid down for me, his life laid down for me. I come with Christians far and near to find, as all are fed, the new community of love in Christ s communion bread, in Christ s communion bread. As Christ breaks bread and bids us share, each proud division ends. The love that made us, makes us one, and strangers now are friends, and strangers now are friends. And thus with joy we meet our Lord, his presence, always near, is in such friendship better known; we see and praise him here, we see and praise him here. Together met, together bound, we ll go our different ways, and as his people in the world, we ll live and speak his praise, we ll live and speak his praise *Affirmation of Faith Colossians 1:15-20 Jesus Christ is the image of the invisible God, the firstborn of all creation; in him all things in heaven and on earth were created, things visible and invisible. All things things hold together. He is the head of the body, the church; he is the beginning, the firstborn of the dead, so that he might come to have first place in everything. For in him all the fullness of God was pleased to dwell, and through him God was pleased to reconcile all things, whether on earth or in heaven, by making peace through the blood of his cross. Amen *Sharing the Peace The peace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with you. And also with you. Offering Two Cents a Meal Denise Pillow Offertory Anthem Lord, Make Me an Instrument Aaron Garber, composer 8

11 Invitation to the Lord s Table The Rev. Bea Miller This is the joyful feast of the people of God! People will come from north and south and from east and west to sit at table in the kingdom of God. According to Luke, when our risen Lord was at table with his disciples, he took bread, blessed and broke it, and gave it to them. Then their eyes were opened, and they recognized him. This is the Lord s Table. Our Savior invites those who trust him to share the feast that he has prepared. Great Thanksgiving The Lord be with you. And also with you. Lift up your hearts. We lift them to the Lord. Let us give thanks to the Lord our God. It is right to give our thanks and praise. Praise to you, O God, for all your works. You created the world and called it good and made us in your image to live together in love. You made a covenant with us, and even when we turned from you, you remained faithful. Therefore with all creation we sing your praise: Holy, holy, holy Lord, God of power and might, heaven and earth are full of your glory. Hosanna in the highest. Blessed is he who comes in the name of the Lord. Hosanna in the highest. Thank you, O God, for sending us your Son. He lived among us and told your story. He healed the sick and welcomed sinners. He shared our pain and died our death, then rose to new life that we might live, and all creation be restored. Remembering your boundless love revealed to us in Jesus Christ, we break bread and share the cup, giving ourselves to you to live for him in joy and praise. Gracious God, pour out your Holy Spirit upon us and upon these your gifts of bread and wine that they may be for us the body and blood of Christ and that we may be his body for the world. By your Spirit unite us with Christ and one another until we feast with him and with all your saints in your eternal realm of justice and peace. Through Christ, with Christ, in Christ, in the unity of the Holy Spirit, all glory and honor are yours, almighty God, now and forever. Amen. 9

12 Lord s Prayer As our Savior Christ has taught us, we are bold to pray: Our Father in heaven, hallowed be your name, your kingdom come, your will be done, on earth as in heaven. Give us today our daily bread. Forgive us our sins as we forgive those who sin against us. Save us from the time of trial and deliver us from evil. For the kingdom, the power, and the glory are yours now and forever. Amen. Words of Institution and Breaking of the Bread Sharing the Bread and the Cup We will receive Communion by intinction today. All of the bread is gluten free. Music during Communion Aaron Garber and Ken Hitchcock Prayer after Communion Bless the Lord, O my soul; and all that is within me, bless God s holy name. Bless the Lord, O my soul; and forget not all God s benefits. *Hymn No. 710 We Are Called to Be God s People We are called to be God s people, showing by our lives his grace, one in heart and one in spirit, sign of hope for all the race. Let us show how he has changed us, and remade us as his own, let us share our life together as we shall around his throne. We are called to be God s servants, working in his world today, taking his own task upon us, all his sacred words obey. Let us rise then to his summons, dedicate to him our all, that we may be faithful servants, quick to answer now his call. We are called to be God s prophets, speaking for the truth and right, standing firm for godly justice, bringing evil things to light. Let us seek the courage needed, our high calling to fulfill, that the world may know the blessing of the doing of God s will. *Blessing and Charge The Rev. Bea Miller 10

13 The grace of the Lord Jesus Christ, the love of God, and the communion of the Holy Spirit be with you all. Alleluia! Go out into the world in peace; have courage; hold onto what is good; return no one evil for evil; support the weak; help the suffering; honor all people; love and serve the Lord, rejoicing in the power of the Holy Spirit. Amen. *Postlude Aaron Garber and Ken Hitchcock *Please stand if able. WE GATHER TO LEARN GENERAL ASSEMBLY REPORT GA Commissioners reported on the Assembly July 16-23, Commissioners reporting were: Jane Johnson TE, Catherine Taylor TE, John Collins RE, and Helen Dean RE. Rachel Sutphin, Youth Advisory Delegate, was unavailable to attend the meeting. MINISTRY MADE POSSIBLE COMMUNITY COLLEGE CAMPUS MINISTRY AND ALLIANCE FOR EXCELLENCE Steve Darr, Community College Ministry Chaplain FINAL REPORT OF THE ADMINISTRATIVE COMMISSION FOR COVENANT PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH The AC report presented by Beth Groover, member of the Administrative Commission, was received and its four recommendations were Approved. Part I Backstory Covenant Presbyterian Church, Lynchburg, Virginia (CPC), which began with 43 charter members in 1961, has now come full circle in faithfulness, dedication, and love in serving God and God s people. Her missions at the time of her closing, which continue to be instrumental in serving the community, include the Timberlake Emergency Assistance Ministry (T.E.A.M.) Food Bank and the Mission Room, an outreach supplying people with the necessities for 11

14 recovering from fire damage, fleeing domestic violence, or other type of displacement. Additional ministries, too numerous to be counted, include: Worship services held Seminary students supported Community outreach programs started Meals shared Communions celebrated Births and baptisms conducted Weddings and funerals officiated All of these missions and ministries were held or led from within the sacred space located at 108 Melinda Drive, Lynchburg, VA. These missions and ministries were the way of Covenant and reflect the love for God, which cannot be dissolved, but will continue in the hearts and lives of its members in the new worshiping communities they will call home. Following a considerable discernment period, the Session and Congregation of Covenant Presbyterian Church, in a letter dated March 19, 2017, requested the Presbytery of the Peaks to dissolve the congregation as of December 31, 2017, and to appoint an administrative commission to support and aid such dissolution. Part II Status of Membership CPC had 41 active members at the close of To date: 24 former members have recently joined or are currently visiting/attending churches in our area. Of the remaining: 1 is deceased 7 are not, to the best of our knowledge, attending or visiting any church 6 are children or grandchildren of former active members who are not all living in the area 3 are living in nursing homes or are homebound These previous members have been contacted by area churches and members of the Administrative Commission (AC). The AC is continuing to reach out to these people in hopes of helping them make the transition to a new place of worship as smooth and welcoming as possible. Their names will be held on the Presbytery rolls until the close of The pastoral needs of these former members continue to be met in a variety of ways by area PCUSA pastors. 12

15 Part III Work of the Administrative Commission to Dissolve Covenant Presbyterian Church, Lynchburg On November 16, 2017, the AC made its initial report to the Presbytery of the Peaks. They shared their work to date and offered several recommendations for further work with the Session and Congregation of CPC, as well as with pertinent Standing Committees of the Presbytery. Since that report to the Presbytery, the AC has done the following: Led a closing worship service on December 3, 2017, on behalf of the Presbytery at CPC that celebrated its history, life of ministry and mission, and its courage to act on God s call on its members to new life with other faith communities; Worked with the pastor and Session of CPC to assist congregation members to transfer their membership to neighboring churches and to insure continued pastoral care for all; Arranged for disposition or use of remaining equipment, memorials, and personal property of CPC as of December 31, 2017; Worked with the Trustees of the Presbytery on final legal actions related to dissolution of the incorporation of CPC and the transfer of title for all accounts and real property to the Presbytery; Began discussions with the Trustees and the Committee on Church Development (CDC) about future use of the property and facilities located at 108 Melinda Drive. Part IV Statement from the former members of Covenant Presbyterian Church regarding future use of the property and facilities "We do solemnly covenant and agree before God and one another to walk harmoniously together as disciples of Jesus Christ in a church relationship a covenant community of worship, study, service and love. The wishes of the former members of Covenant Presbyterian Church continue to be that the property and building be used for some form of worship and to serve God and the community. Covenant held missions as one of the most important parts that helped define them as a community of faith and would like to see that continue. One of the ways they reached out to the community was through their ministry as a food bank for the Timberlake area. The former members of Covenant would like to see this ministry continue. We are so pleased to see the building and property currently being used by the Presbytery of the Peaks and rejoice in seeing it serve as a place for the churches and people in our Presbytery to serve God. Part V Recommendations The Administrative Commission had hoped to provide specific recommendations to the Presbytery of the Peaks regarding the use of the property that previously housed Covenant Presbyterian Church, but because of the Presbytery s office needs and the ongoing work of the 13

16 Presbytery s Mission Study Team, we now commend this task to the appropriate standing committees of the Presbytery. However, this Commission does put forth the following recommendations: 1. In consultation with the Committee on Church Development and the Trustees of the Presbytery, the AC recommends that the property that was previously home to Covenant Presbyterian Church be used as the temporary offices of the Presbytery of the Peaks; Approved at the November 16, 2017 Presbytery Meeting 2. The Trustees of the Presbytery be given the authority to negotiate and execute short-term building use agreements and to maintain the physical property; Approved at the November 16, 2017 Presbytery Meeting 3. That the future use of this property be guided by the stated wishes of the former Covenant Presbyterian Church congregation as communicated to the AC above, recommendations from the Presbytery s Mission Study, and input from the Committee on Church Development and the Presbytery s Board of Trustees; Approved 4. Transfer the responsibilities of the ordinary decisions of the use of this property to the Standing Committees of the Presbytery; Approved 5. That any members of the former Covenant Presbyterian congregation who have not transferred their church memberships to another Presbyterian congregation or another denomination, be placed on the roster of the Presbytery of the Peaks for the remainder of 2018; Approved 6. That this Covenant Presbyterian Church Administrative Commission be dissolved with gratitude and thanks of its responsibilities as of August, 18, Approved May the glory, honor, and blessing be to God through the work of the former Covenant Presbyterian Church, Lynchburg, and this Administrative Commission. Respectfully submitted, Suzy Edwards, RE, Chair Shirley Morris, RE Dick Boswell, RE Beth Groover, RE Kim Steinhorst, TE Stephen Earl, TE, POP Staff THANK YOU TO TRINITY ECUMENICAL PARISH FOR A DELICIOUS LUNCH. COMMITTEE ON LEADERSHIP REPORT Kristin Reinhold, chair of the Leadership Committee, spoke about the Prayer Gathering that will be held on September 12, 2018 at the Peaks of Otter. 14

17 INFORMATION: The next Trent Colloquy will be held on October 25, 2018 at Second Presbyterian in Roanoke. Diane Baldwin and Rich Henderson reported on the 3 presentations that were made at the recent workshop. It was very well received and very well attended. (Commissioned Pastor Workgroup will work as a separate workgroup.) ACTIONS: The committee decided the Prayer Retreat would be held Wednesday, September 12, 2018 from 1-4 pm at the Peaks of Otter. Committee members were assigned specific jobs for the retreat. RECOMMENDATIONS: None OPEN MIC - This was a time for (1) Announcements from Churches; (2) Announcements from Presbytery Divisions and Committees, and (3) Announcements from Organizations and Agencies. The Two Cents a Meal Offering collected today was $ COMMITTEE ON ADMINISTRATION REPORT The Committee on Administration Chair, Ed McElmurray, presented the report. Two recommendations were made. The first recommendation was Approved. After the second recommendation was made, Herndon Jeffreys made a motion to amend the recommendation to change the severance package to three months. The motion to amend the recommendation was Approved. Amended Recommendation: Recommend the Presbytery end Steve Earl s job duties with the Presbytery of the Peaks as of August 18, 2018 with a three month severance package. Approved. INFORMATION: The Committee on Administration met on August 15, 2018 at Bedford Presbyterian Church. 15

18 RECOMMENDATIONS: 1. Recommend the Presbytery concur with the request of Steve Earl to dissolve his call as Associate Presbyter for Ministry for the Presbytery of the Peaks and change his status to Member at Large. 2. Recommend the Presbytery end Steve Earl s job duties with the Presbytery of the Peaks as of August 18, 2018 with a two month severance package. TRANSITIONAL GENERAL PRESBYTER REPORT Carl Utley, Transitional Presbyter, reported that the responsibilities of Steve Earl will be realigned among the Presbytery of the Peaks staff. ORDER OF THE DAY EXAMINATIONS COMMITTEE REPORT Bob McLavey, Chair of the Examinations Committee presented 3 candidates to the Presbytery. Brian Miles, Temporary Supply at Amherst Presbyterian Church John McDonald, Interim at First Presbyterian Church, Danville Annette Goard, Pastor Elect Candidate at Clarksville Presbyterian Church The Examinations Committee Report was received and its three recommendations were Approved. RECOMMENDATIONS: 1. Recommend that the examination of Brian Miles (MWS), member of New Hope Presbytery, be sustained; pending his signing of the Book of Obligations; and that he be received as a member in good standing for membership in the Presbytery of the Peaks. Approved 2. Recommend that the examination of John McDonald (MWS), member of Shenandoah Presbytery, be sustained; pending his signing of the Book of Obligations; and that he be received as a member in good standing for membership in the Presbytery of the Peaks. Approved 3. Recommend that the examination of Annette Goard, candidate under care of the Presbytery of Southern New England, be sustained; pending her signing of the Book of Obligations; and that she be received as a member in good standing for membership in the Presbytery of the Peaks. Approved 16

19 Brian W. Miles Biographical Information My Faith and Family (of origin) I joined this world on November 20, 1976 and spent the first thirteen years of my life living with my mother and father in Nogales, AZ, and later, in Phoenix, AZ. To be blunt, I am not able to remember much of my childhood, either because the abuse I experienced led me to suppress it, or because end stage renal disease consumed those memories more on that later. What I do remember is this: I spent my early childhood (3-5 years old?) attending a Methodist Church, where I learning the Lord s Prayer. Aside from that, the only other memory I have is of my father, dressed as Moses, reading the Ten Commandments in the Church pulpit; and at the same, being aware that my father was committing adultery. Not a great place to begin one s faith journey. As the years past, my family stopped attending church, and the conflict within my family intensified. My dad s abuse grew greater, and by the time I turned thirteen, I wanted nothing to do with him. Our family s dysfunction came to a head on New Year s Eve, 1989, when my father shared with me that he was divorcing my mother. The following months were a nightmare, and by the time June, 1990, arrived, I was ready to move to Evington, VA with my mom. Once in Virginia, my mom became involved in the Presbyterian Church, but knowing my dislike of organized religion, she did not force my attendance. My Faith and Health I graduated from Brookville High School in 1994 and attended Mary Washington College that fall. I had grand plans for my future; however, my health changed that. Throughout my life, I have struggled with kidney issues. I was born with only one kidney, and at eleven months of age, doctors discovered that my kidney was damaged after surgery, I had approximately 30% of one kidney left. In 1995, my remaining kidney failed and I had to receive a transplant. If childhood struggles pushed me away from God, then I believe my health struggles have been the number one issue which has brought me and continues to bring me closer to God. After my first transplant, I became involved in the Presbyterian Church shortly after surgery, as a way of saying thank you to the parishioners and clergy who supported me and my mother; and later, as I began to seek God s presence in a clearer and more direct way. By 1997, I had transferred to Roanoke College, had become involved in the local Presbyterian Church, and was agonizing over what I was supposed to do with my life. I had majored in Psychology, however, a Bachelor s degree in the subject does little to earn a living. With that in mind, I decided to listen to the small voice which kept encouraging me to go to seminary. Thus, I applied and was accepted to Louisville Presbyterian Theological Seminary. I arrived on campus in My time at the Seminary was not easy; however, my experiences led me to discover my passion for hospital chaplaincy, and following my graduation in 2001, I became the Pediatric Oncology Chaplain at the Children s Hospital in Louisville, KY. By 2005, all was well. I was married to my wife, Kristie, and our son, Joseph, had been born. Unfortunately, things came to an abrupt halt when my first transplant failed in April of For the next two years, I experienced life 17

20 in limbo, as I went to the dialysis clinic three times a week for five hours. It was a miserable, bleak existence in which I cried out to God in anger, demanding justice and healing. A third chance at life did come in 2008, when Kristie donated her kidney. Shortly thereafter, God led me to the hospice ministry, where I remained until I came to Lynchburg in Living in Lynchburg forced me to reexamine my call. For many years, I never imagined having any interest in pulpit ministry; however, the opportunity to preach---and God s gentle nudge has now led me to feel called to the Church. Brian W. Miles Statement of Faith I understand God to be many things, but at a very fundamental level, God s essence is beyond my comprehension. While I firmly believe that our God is a God of creation, compassion, power, and love, these adjectives do not come close to capturing the ultimate reality of who or what God is! God remains sovereign over all that has, does, and will exist, but God is also intimately involved in our lives. As the greatest of all paradoxes, God is the Ground of our Being. I believe Jesus Christ to be God incarnate, and in his life and teachings, we are taught how to live humbly, show compassion, and seek justice for others. Christ was both fully human and fully divine, and as our mediator, He reconciled God with humanity. Jesus stands as a link between humans, who seem to always turn their backs on the Divine, and God. Sin or what I like to refer to as our brokenness prevents us from being in God s presence, so God comes to be in our presence (Emmanuel). It is God s grace that is extended to us through Christ s death on the cross. Finally, Christ s resurrection reminds us that nothing is greater than God not even death! In the Holy Spirit, we discover that God is always present in our lives, continually directing, renewing, and strengthening us to serve Christ in all that we do. The Spirit is ceaselessly at work in the life of the Church, breathing light into Christ s body, sustaining and directing it. I affirm that the Holy Spirit s presence is essential to our preparation and accurate proclamation of Scripture and in understanding God s desire for our lives. I believe Scripture to be authoritative; I also affirm that by directing our attention to the life and teachings of Jesus Christ, God s self-revelation is made known to us by the presence of the Holy Spirit. The Christian canon also reveals God to be of infinite love and compassion. I furthermore affirm that Scripture is the foundation upon which the Christian life is built. Humanity has the potential to perform acts of tremendous good and evil. As beings created in God s image, we possess the capacity to love and show compassion in countless ways, caring for one another and God s creation. But as individuals who possess free will, we also have the ability to turn our backs on God, denying God s presence and direction for our lives. 18

21 I affirm that the sacraments of Baptism and the Lord s Supper are sacred and essential signs of the grace God has extended to us through Jesus Christ. At the waters of Baptism, we acknowledge and receive assurance of the grace that is extended to us by God through Christ; and in celebration, we are welcomed into the Christian community. At the Communion table, Christians come together to remember Christ s death on the cross and the promise of his return. Through the power of the Holy Spirit, we are made one with Christ, who nourishes us by his presence in the bread and wine. Thus, we are renewed to live a Christ-like life. John L. McDonald Biographical Information My favorite scripture passage is Philippians 4:13, I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me. There is no other explanation for how a shy young man who was perfectly happy to blend into the back row of the choir has served for over 31 years as a pastor. I have learned over time that I can do all things through Christ, who strengthens me, but I cannot do them all at once and I cannot do them alone. I was born and raised in Rockville, Maryland. My parents were both elders in the Rockville Presbyterian Church and my mother was the church secretary for a time. I regularly attended Sunday school, worship services and participated in youth activities with my brother and sister. My first job in the church was as janitor for the educational wing of that church. I went to Davidson College planning on being a Biologist. God had other plans. During the Spring Semester of my sophomore year I received the call to the ministry and immediately questioned God s judgment. Why would God want someone who detested public speaking and rarely voiced his opinion on anything in public to serve as a minister? I learned by experience that, God does not always call those who are equipped. God equips those whom God calls. After serving as a camp counselor at Camp Grier in Old Fort, North Carolina, I felt that maybe God was right. Maybe I had a roll to serve in the church at large. I attended Union Theological Seminary in Richmond, VA where my call was confirmed and I received an excellent theological education. The first congregation I served was in Broadway, Virginia just north of Harrisonburg. That congregation gently taught me all the things you do not learn in seminary, and yet are necessary to do God s work in the pastorate. During my 13 years there, we were able with the help of other churches to resettle a refugee family from Kazakhstan, feed the hungry through the community food pantry and clothes closet housed at the church and help build a Habitat for Humanity home 19

22 next door to the church. I met and married my wife of almost 29 years, Ellen, while serving the Broadway church. Our sons, Nathan and Logan, were born while I served that church. Broadway will always hold a special place in our hearts. After Broadway, I served as Associate Pastor for Christian Education for Massanutten Presbyterian Church just east of Harrisonburg. During those years I had the joy of working with youth and children once again. I served as chaperone for three trips to the Presbyterian Youth Triennium and helped plan a fourth. The work was physically exhausting, but incredibly rewarding. My next stop was Second Presbyterian Church in Waynesboro, Virginia. During my time in Waynesboro, I played a part in starting a noon lunch program for anyone who needed a meal during the height of the economic recession in That program was only possible with God s guidance and with the help of over 25 other churches, businesses and other civic organizations. That program is still going strong after 10 years and they have now served over a hundred thousand meals. The last five years of my ministry I have served three different churches doing transitional ministry. The last year of my ministry in Waynesboro was spent helping that congregation deal with several questions. One of the most challenging issues we confronted was how can an aging congregation, surrounded by a neighborhood that faced both economic and demographic challenges, minister to themselves and the community that surrounds it. In Marlinton, West Virginia they needed help regaining confidence and vision after the previous pastor almost led them out of the denomination. In my last interim position in Buena Vista, Virginia, I have helped them deal with the loss of some beloved congregation members and helped them establish a new vision for their ministry community. I have truly been blessed that whenever I doubted the Lord s call, He provided just the person or group of people, the resources or the reassurance that I needed to do the work He called me to do. I have learned to trust to go where He sends me and do what He needs me to do. I have learned to play my part in the larger story of God s people for I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me. John McDonald - Statement of Faith I learned the Apostles Creed when I went through confirmation class at the age of 12. Since that time, I ve used it as the basis for my belief in one God known to us in three persons. It s 20

23 short and sweet and jammed packed with meaning for my life. It is a living breathing document that to my way of thinking explains my faith. I believe in God the Father Almighty... God created everything that is or was or will be. God created everything good, including humanity and gave us the responsibility to take care of all we come in contact. I have always sought to live an ecologically responsible life that shares the resources of this world with all of God s creatures. I believe in Jesus Christ his only Son our Lord... One can catch glimpses of God s glory in creation, but one can only know God fully through a relationship with Jesus Christ, God s Son. You can be in awe of God s creation, but one can only experience God s grace, mercy and love, by knowing Jesus Christ. He showed us how he was the Way, the Truth, and the Life. He shows us the Way to approach God with humility, obedience and devotion. He is the beacon of Truth that never wavers, never wanders and always lights the path to God s love. He delivers us from the way of sin and death. He is the only source of the life eternal. He is the only way to orient our lives to true happiness. I know all this through my relationship to my Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. I believe in the Holy Spirit... God is not some divine clock maker who left his creation to operate on its own. Jesus was not just some great rabbinic teacher that lived and taught thousands of years ago. I experience God even now in the power of the Holy Spirit. It binds me to others and to the great cloud of witnesses who went before. The Spirit continues to bind me to our Lord and Savior, sustaining my faith and guiding my actions each day. And how do I know all of this? I know it through the authoritative witness of the Holy Scriptures, both Old and New Testaments. They are our family album of faith. The faith stories, psalms, prophecies, gospels, epistles and wisdom writings are all witness to God s action in the world. There is no clearer explanation of who God is, what God did and continues to do and where God is leading than the Bible. I believe in the one Holy, Catholic and Apostolic Church of which Presbyterians are an important part. The church at its best is the finest place to learn about God and God s action in the world. It is a flawed human institution made up of flawed and sinful people and yet it still stands as the brightest beacon of knowledge and hope in the world today. The church as the body of Christ reaches out and embraces a broken world seeking the wholeness found in relationship to our Lord. We can do no less than reflect the mercy and love shown to us through Christ. It is the only way to find eternal life. 21

24 Annette Eckerd Goard Biographical Information I was born and raised in Mocksville, NC; baptized, confirmed and married at First Presbyterian Church. We were the family that was always there, Wednesday night prayer meeting, Sunday school and worship; vacation Bible school, any time the church doors were open we were there. When I went off to college, I took a break. I didn t stop believing, but to the consternation of my parents, I did not attend worship on a regular basis. However, whenever I came home our pastor always made a point to come by. As a girl I never realized he was paying a call when the tall, lanky man would drive up to our house and unfold himself from his VW beetle. He d knock on the door, spend a little time, and share a prayer. He was my first real exposure to pastoral care and he was quietly adept. I married a bright young attorney who got a chance to practice law in New York City in the late 1970s; and, after some time, we joined Fifth Avenue Presbyterian where our children were baptized. Not long after, we left the City for CT where we joined First Presbyterian of Greenwich and soon became active in the life of the church. A good friend once said to me one of the reasons you join a church is so your children will grow up in faith. You participate in their activities because you love them and want them to have a good experience. Then one day you look up and realize, all your best friends, all the people you love are at church! And that s what happened to us. We found a home; found our community. And it was a community that sustained us when my husband was diagnosed with Stage IV, inoperable, lung cancer. The community lifted us up in so many ways both large and small they are too numerous to recount, from meals and prayers, to friends who just sat quietly and let me talk. And I needed to talk. I was convinced that God had turned God s face from us. I couldn t see God s love or care or concern. But God was present in and through my community; my loving family and friends helped me recognize God s hope and presence in my life. And they helped me recognize God s purpose for my life. I responded to God s call by entering Duke Divinity School where I was challenged to examine my theology, grow intellectually and expand my horizons. I was challenged to move beyond the role of wife and mother to one of graduate student and theological guide; challenged to humbly claim my God-given talents as a child of God and to abandon any prior reservations I may have had. Following seminary I completed a chaplain residency at UNC Hospital where I continued to grow. As a chaplain at a Level I trauma center I learned to meet people as they were, to listen closely and name the pain that burdened them. With each pastoral encounter I grew in selfawareness, understanding and ability to serve with compassion and grace in moments of despair. 22

25 I look forward to further deepening my spiritual awareness as I now begin a new chapter in my faith journey. And I am thankful for the opportunity to walk alongside my brothers and sisters in Christ as together we work to live into God s vision for us as God s people Annette Eckerd Goard Statement of Faith I believe in God, the giver and creator of life through whom all things are made; in Jesus Christ, the head of the Church incarnate and in full communion with humanity; and, in the transcendent power of the Holy Spirit through which our Lord Jesus Christ was conceived and remains present and alive with us today. I believe humanity is earthly and vulnerable, like the flowers that wither and die; but, I also believe that our vulnerability is not our sin. We sin when we reject God s love, deny God s grace, reject communion with our creator. We are created in the image of God, free to respond to God in faithful obedience and joyful communion, in response to God s unwarranted love and grace. And when we confess our sin we are assured of God s loving forgiveness and redeeming grace. I believe that the sacraments of Baptism and Communion are the signs and seals of God s constant love and the grace through which God marks us and we profess our faithfulness to God. In his Baptism Jesus immersed himself into the sea of our humanity replete with all its vulnerability, temptation and even death, and in our Baptism we join in the passion and suffering of Christ. And so, when we view our baptism in light of Jesus baptism, and understand it as an immersion into the very passion and suffering of Christ; then we can begin to see our suffering, our vulnerability and even our death as reconciled in the body of Christ. I believe that in Holy Communion we join in covenant with the Triune God and become the Church, God s community amid diversity. Together we partake of the body and blood of our Lord Jesus Christ and affirm that we are one with God in Christ. In reconciling with Christ we become the reconciling Church. We renew our covenant with God and one another and are bound together in mutual sharing through the redemptive power of the Holy Spirit. We are the Church, bound in community to love God above all and our neighbors as ourselves. I believe that through the power of the Holy Spirit the Church is alive in the world today wherever two or more are gathered in God s name. And I believe we experience Church not only in worship but also in our homes, our workplaces and at the bedside. God s Church is present whenever we love one another as God has loved us and care for the stranger among us. I believe that Scripture reveals the will of God for the Church; and, that through Scripture the Holy Spirit guides us to a new awareness of God s continuing and evolving mission in the world. Scripture is the discerning light to our path, our strong and bold assurance that God is ever with us, that nothing can separate us from the love of God in Christ Jesus our Lord. 23

26 By grace through faith in the Triune Lord we are freed from the bondage of sin and death to live in faith, in hope and in love, in communion with God and with our neighbors. We are free to become God s new creation. COMMITTEE ON MINISTRY REPORT The Committee on Ministry Report, as follows, presented by Sue Bentley, was received and its eight recommendations were Approved. ACTIONS TAKEN ON BEHALF OF THE PRESBYTERY: 1. Approved the request of Al Jacobs to renew his authorization for a period of one year beginning July 1, 2018 and ending on June 30, 2019 to administer the sacrament of Communion to congregations in the Piedmont Neighborhood. 2. Approved the request of Barbara Jacobs to renew her authorization for a period of one year beginning July 1, 2018 and ending on June 30, 2019 to administer the sacrament of Communion to congregations in the Piedmont Neighborhood. 3. Approved the Interim contract between First Presbyterian Church, Danville and Rev. John McDonald effective June 25, 2018 to June 24, Approved the Temporary Supply Contract between Amherst Presbyterian Church and the Rev. Brian Miles effective June 3, 2018 to December 2, Approved the request of Meherrin Presbyterian Church to grant Diane Baldwin permission to conduct Communion Services from June 1, 2018 to May 31, Approved the request of Meherrin Presbyterian Church to grant Mike Price permission to conduct Communion Services from June 1, 2018 to May 31, Approved the request of New Dublin Presbyterian Church to form a PNC. 8. Approved the Interim Pastor contract renewal request between Oak Level Presbyterian Church and Rev. Jeff Kisner effective June 1, 2018 to November 30, Approved the CP contract renewal request between Hermon Presbyterian Church and Rich Henderson effective Oct. 1, 2018 to Sept 30, Approved the scholarship request for the Burke Memorial Fund awarding each of the seven applicants $ The applicants include: Christy Mitchell, Ed Soto, Janice Fraser, Lisa Marshall, William Rountree, Stewart Childress, and Lynwood Ladd. 11. Approved the request of Mizpah Presbyterian Church to waive rotation of elders due to small membership with an average attendance of 5 members. 12. Denied request of the Stated Supply contract renewal between Montvale Presbyterian Church and Rev. Rodney Wilson effective July 1, 2018 to June 30, Requested the Montvale Session complete the Stated Supply contract to include the following: 1. Details of the duties required 2. A review of the hours required. 3. Require the salary/honorarium be at the Presbytery of the Peaks recommended amount of $ Approved the Installation Commission to install Rev. Chad McCain at First Presbyterian Church, Lynchburg on Sunday, August 19, Ministers of Word and Sacrament: Carl Utley, Moderator Loren Tate Mitchell 24

27 Peter Thompson, To Preach the Sermon Ruling Elders: Beth Williams, First, Lynchburg, Presentation of the Minister of Word and Sacrament, Questions to the Congregation Bob Berkley, First, Lynchburg, To Charge the Minister of Word and Sacrament Beth Groover, St. Andrew, To Charge the Congregation Dick Boswell, First, Lynchburg, Moderator of the Presbytery of the Peaks To Sit with the Commission: Leigh Anne Ring, Ruling Elder, River Road Presbyterian Church, Presbytery of the James 15. Approved the request of Roanoke Valley Presbyterian Church to renew the Stated Supply Contract with Rev. Terry Blevins effective December 1, 2018 to November 30, Approved the request of Montvale Presbyterian Church to renew the Stated Supply contract with Rev. Rodney Wilson effective July 1, 2018 to June 30, Clarification and changes requested by COM were addressed and corrected. 17. Approved the request of UKirk, Virginia Tech, to form a PNC. 18. Approved the request of First Presbyterian Church, Danville, to form a PNC. 19. Approved the request of McAllister Memorial Presbyterian Church for Paul Brokaw to serve as moderator effective July 15, 2018 to July 14, Approved the temporary supply contract request between Grace Presbyterian Church and Kelvin Perry, CP effective September 3, 2018 to August 31, Approved the request of Quaker Memorial Presbyterian Church for David Gellert to serve as moderator effective July 15, 2018 to July 14, Approved to empower Jim Corson and Jim Slate, COM Members, to execute a negotiated settlement between McAllister Memorial and their outgoing Interim Pastor. 23. Approved the request of Holbrook St. Presbyterian Church to appoint Kelvin Perry, CP, as moderator effective August 12, 2018 to August 11, Approved the Interim Contract between St. Andrew Presbyterian Church and Rev. Jim Johns effective October 16, 2018 to October 15, Approved the Temporary Supply request of Glasgow Presbyterian Church and Wayne Meredith effective September 15, 2018 to September 14, Approved the request of Presbyterian Church of Radford to form a PNC. 27. Approved the request of Arvon, Fork Union and Trinity-New Canton Presbyterian Churches to allow Dale Brown to serve as moderator effective October 1, Approved the 2019 Committee on Ministry Budget. RECOMMENDATIONS FOR CONSENT AGENDA: 1. FOR CONSENT AGENDA: To dissolve the pastoral relationship between First Presbyterian Church, Danville and Rev. Allen Thompson effective Jan. 22, FOR CONSENT AGENDA: To dismiss Michael Fleenor, HR, to the Presbytery of New Harmony, Florence, SC. 25

28 3. FOR CONSENT AGENDA: To dissolve the pastoral relationship between Quaker Memorial Presbyterian Church, Lynchburg and Rev. Bart Edwards effective July 8, FOR CONSENT AGENDA: To dissolve the pastoral relationship between New Dublin Presbyterian Church and Rev. Andrew Taylor Troutman effective Dec. 31, FOR CONSENT AGENDA: To dismiss Rev. Andrew Taylor Troutman to Salem Presbytery where he was received on Feb. 20, 2018 to serve as pastor of Chapel of the Pines Presbyterian Church. 6. FOR CONSENT AGENDA: To dismiss Rev. Kelly Kaufman to the Presbytery of the James. 7. FOR CONSENT AGENDA: To dissolve the pastoral relationship between Holbrook Presbyterian Church and Rev. Ronald Johnson effective July 20, FOR CONSENT AGENDA: To dissolve the pastoral relationship between Grace Presbyterian Church and Rev. Jane Johnson effective Sept. 2, FOR CONSENT AGENDA: To grant Catherine Snyder Honorably Retired Status in the Presbytery of the Peaks. 10. FOR CONSENT AGENDA: To dismiss Rev. Caitlin Hoy to the Presbytery of Eastern Virginia where she will be serving as the chaplain of Williamsburg Landings Retirement Community in Williamsburg, VA. 11. FOR CONSENT AGENDA: To dismiss Rev. Ron Johnson to Redstone Presbytery where he will serve at Third Presbyterian Church, Uniontown, PA. 12. FOR CONSENT AGENDA: To dismiss Rev. Jane Johnson to Redstone Presbytery where she will be a Member at Large. 13. FOR CONSENT AGENDA: To grant permission for Jacob Kave to labor outside the bounds of the Presbytery of the Peaks as he seeks endorsement to serve as an Air Force Chaplain in the Reserves. 14. FOR CONSENT AGENDA: To approve the 2018 Terms of Call report for installed pastors. RECOMMENDATIONS: 1. Recommend the approval of the following terms of call for Annette Goard to serve as Pastor for Clarksville Presbyterian Church. Salary and Housing $46,000 SECA $ 3,519 BOP $17,020 Auto Reimbursement $ 4,800 Cont. Ed. $ 1,200 Vacation 4 Weeks Annually Study Leave 2 Weeks Annually Total Cost $72,539 Approved 26

29 2. Recommend that COM be allowed to assign an Installation Commission to ordain and install Annette Goard to serve as Clarksville Presbyterian Church. Approved 3. Recommend to commission Naomi Hodge-Muse for limited pastoral services at Grace Presbyterian Church, Martinsville, as a Commissioned Pastor, including authority to conduct sacraments. Approved 4. To grant Richard Hamm Honorably Retired Status effective January 1, Approved 5. To dismiss Rev. Allen Thompson to the Covenant Order of Evangelical Presbyterians to serve at Fairview Presbyterian Church in North Augusta, SC. Approved 6. To approve the 2019 Financial Terms of Call for a 1 st read. Approved 7. To appoint an Administrative Commission to respond to the request of Providence Presbyterian Church to leave the PCUSA, with authority to guide the congregation in its discernment of God s will, to negotiate terms of dismissal if that course of action is indicated, and to make a recommendation to the presbytery regarding the congregation s future. The Administrative Commission will include: Kym Wiederholt, RE, Betsy Soto, TE, and Mikel Pugh, TE. Approved 8. To approve the Policy for Ministers from other Denominations seeking to Serve PCUSA Congregations in a Pastoral, Transitional or Supply Role for a 1 st read. Approved Policy for Ministers from other Denominations Seeking to Serve PCUSA Congregations in a Pastoral, Transitional, or Supply Role, First Read 1. When a congregation requires pastoral or transitional pastoral leadership and would like to consider a candidate whose ordination in good standing, prior service, and/or training are not in a denomination in full communion with the Presbyterian Church (USA), the session of that congregation shall consult formally with the Committee on Ministry before any formal or informal conversations are conducted with any such candidate. 2. The COM along with the Examinations Committee shall determine whether, when, and to what extent the person s ability to lead, teach, preach, and provide pastoral care may or may not serve the present and future mission and vision of the congregation in a manner consistent with Presbyterian theology and polity, and the ethos of The Presbytery of the Peaks and the Presbyterian Church (USA). This determination shall be made in a formal examination by the Credentialing Work Group (comprising representatives from the COM and Examinations Committee) and approved by the Committee on Ministry. 3. In addition, in order to preside at the Lord s Supper or to celebrate a baptism, or be the officiant for a session-authorized wedding of the PCUSA congregation, a potential pastor, transitional pastor, minister, or leader whose credentials in good standing are in a denomination not in full communion with the PCUSA, shall normally be required to pursue pre-approved coursework in the following areas: a. Reformed Theology (Book of Confessions) b. Reformed Understanding of the Sacraments (Book of Confessions and Directory for Worship ) c. Presbyterian Polity (Book of Order) 27

30 4. The candidate must also affirm that baptism and the Lord s Supper are sacraments. 5. Following the completion of the above coursework or its equivalent, the Credentialing Work Group shall examine the candidate again and may at the Committee on Ministry s sole discretion specifically authorize the individual to exercise one or more of the following pastoral functions if it judges the exercise of that function by that individual to be desirable for the church s ongoing ministry: a. Presiding at the Lord s Supper b. Celebrating a baptism c. Serving as the officiant for a session-authorized wedding of that congregation. Such authorization shall apply only to the congregation, context, and time-frame specified by the Committee on Ministry. 6. In no event shall a pastor, transitional pastor, minister, or other leader whose ordination, prior service, and training are not in a denomination in full communion with the Presbyterian Church (USA) moderate the Session of a congregation of the Presbytery of The Peaks unless/until such leader shall be elected and ordained as a ruling elder or Minister of Word and Sacrament in the Presbyterian Church (USA). COMMITTEE ON PREPARATION FOR MINISTRY REPORT Susan Verbrugge, Chair of the Committee on Preparation for Ministry introduced Jennifer Powell to the Presbytery, recommending that she be accepted as a candidate in her ordination process. This recommendation was Approved. INFORMATION: Next meeting is Wednesday, October 10 at Bedford Presbyterian Church. Met with Karen Watson to discuss becoming a candidate. We will bring a recommendation for her candidacy to the November 2018 Presbytery meeting. ACTIONS REPORTED: We voted to require that all people under care of this committee who are seeking ordination from this point forward complete one unit of CPE before being certified to seek a call. RECOMMENDATIONS: We recommend that Jennifer Powell be accepted as a candidate in her ordination process. Her faith statement is attached. Approved. 28

31 Jennifer Powell Statement of Faith My faith statement essentially embraces the ideals expressed in the Apostle's Creed, as I believe in the Triune, Holy God. ' I believe in God the Father Almighty who created all of heaven and earth. I believe in a Creator God who saw darkness in the world, drew boundaries around it, and shined a holy Light into it. I am in awe of God's creation and the artistry in which the world was created. Every system, every color, every minute detail expresses God's love for God's Creation. I believe in a Creator God who, from the Beginning, sought communication and relationship with humankind, for in the Beginning was The Word and the Word was God. I believe in a Creator God who so loved the world and desired relationship so much that God sent God's son, Jesus Christ to the people of the world-all people. I believe in Jesus Christ, who was sent to the world in an outpouring of Love from God the Father. I believe in Jesus, who was both wholly Divine and human. Jesus entered into a sinful world to show us how to live, how to love, and to restore our relationship with God. Jesus Christ was crucified with the sins of all humankind upon Him. The resurrected Christ defeated sin and the sting of death. Jesus Christ is the Savior of the World, and all redeemed and restored by His saving grace. Through Jesus Christ, we know eternal life. What Christ did for all of humankind humbles my heart and soul, and I am overwhelmed by this act of love and sacrifice for all. I believe in the Holy Spirit, another form of the Living God's outpouring of love and restoration of relationship with us. Christ did not leave us alone in this world. We have the Holy Spirit to continue to teach us, guide us and correct us. The Holy Spirit inspires us and shows us, through Christ's example, that faith is lived out in action. I believe in the Word of God, for the Word is God. Through Scripture and the Holy Spirit, we believe and "do." God finds us. Faith is a relationship with God, made possible through Jesus and illumined by the Holy Spirit. As the bride of Christ, I believe the Church engages in unity with Christ and should be at one with Christ's teachings. Through holy union with Christ, the church shares Christ's love for and with the world. Through Christ, the Church is enabled to be a blessing to the world, fulfilling the Abrahamic covenant. Through the sacrament of baptism, we are reminded of our union with Christ and God's covenant with us. We are reminded that we are not our own; we belong to God through God's unconditional love; through the saving grace of Christ. Through the sacrament of Holy Communion, we are reminded of the Holy Father's plan for redemption, Christ's sacrifice for all, and the Holy Spirit's continued intercession for us. Our response is a Great Thanksgiving at the Table of God! I believe Jesus Christ is the Head of the Church, and through Him, I believe in one God, Father, Son and Holy Spirit. 29

32 NOMINATING COMMITTEE REPORT The Nominating Committee Report was presented by John Erb, chair of the committee. The recommendation was for those listed to be approved for Presbytery positions. Approved MODERATOR 2019 Will Robinson TE Salem VICE-MODERATOR 2019 Viola Skip Martin RE Pulaski CABINET Chair 2019 Dick Boswell COMMITTEE ON ADMINISTRATION Ron Hairston RE 2021 Holbrook Street COMMITTEE ON MINISTRY Chair 2019 Sue Bentley COMMITTEE ON EXAMINATIONS John Collins RE 2021 Chatham John Scholer TE 2021 Amherst Robert McLavey TE 2021 Floyd Herndon Jeffreys TE 2020 Brookneal, Roanoke & Phenix Chair 2019 Robert McLavey COMMITTEE ON PREPARATION FOR MINISTRY Chair 2019 Susan Verbrugge COMMITTEE ON SEXUAL MISCONDUCT Robin Williamson TE 2019 West End COMMITTEE ON CHURCH DEVELOPMENT Chair 2019 Betsy Haskins Phil Berry RE 2019 Villamont 30

33 MISSIONS COMMITTEE Gene Collier RE 2019 Covenant COMMITTEE ON DISCIPLESHIP Chair 2019 Allison Unroe Martha Moore RE 2021 Altavista Matthew Aldas TE 2021 Raleigh Court COMMITTEE ON LEADERSHIP Chair 2019 Kristin Reinhold Jacob Kave TE 2019 Hargrave TRUSTEES OF THE PRESBYTERY OF THE PEAKS Kelvin Perry RE 2021 Grace COMMITTEE ON BILLS AND OVERTURES Chair 2019 Robert McLavey Janice Fraser TE 2021 New Concord & Appomattox CH COMMITTEE ON REPRESENTATION Chair 2019 Joe McCutchen COMMITTEE ON NOMINATIONS Chair 2019 John Erb Michael Nevergold RE 2020 Pearisburg PERMANENT JUDICIAL COMMISSION Dale Brown TE 2024 Cumberland CABINET REPORT Melissa McNair-King, chair of Cabinet, presented the recommendation to approve the change in the Manual of Operations of Peaks Presbytery, second reading. Approved. RECOMMENDATION: 1. To approve the change in the Manual of Operations of Peaks Presbytery presented for final approval. (change is noted in bold-type) 31

34 Under Section 1. Committee on Administration, b. Responsibilities 10. Provide for all Presbytery office operations and equipment. 11. The location or relocation of the Presbytery office shall be determined by a vote of the presbytery upon recommendation of the Committee on Administration. In the event of an emergency, the Committee on Administration, in conjunction with the Trustees, are authorized to relocate the Presbytery office on a temporary basis. Approved INFORMATION: REPORT OF THE TRUSTEES OF THE PRESBYTERY OF THE PEAKS The Trustees of the Presbytery of the Peaks met on June 5, 2018 by conference call and on July 11, 2018 by conference call. ACTIONS REPORTED: 1. Approved the filing of a police report regarding the vandalism at the Matthews Manse in Chatham. 2. Approved listing the Matthews Manse As Is with Wilkins Realty in Chatham. 3. Authorized John Fedison to negotiate offers with the realtor if within 20% of the asking price. RECOMMENDATIONS: 1. FOR CONSENT AGENDA: Recommend the Presbytery approve the release of the reversion clause on a 2.8 acre tract of land and building (Tax map 121-A-28 and Tax map 121-A-29) for Elon Evangelical Presbyterian Church. The tract and building were used as rental property, however the legal, building and zoning requirements for rental property has forced the session to a decision to sell. The proceeds from the property sale will be used to construct a pavilion near an existing playground on the church property and to make improvements to the manse. The Reversion clause will remain in effect on the church building and manse properties. (This action was approved at the May Presbytery meeting however the tax map numbers provided by the church and the acreage amount were incorrect.) REPORT OF PRESBYTERIAN WOMEN INFORMATION: Recruitment is going well for positions on the Coordinating Team Summer Gathering went well had 12 ladies in attendance Annual Gathering is September 29 at Westminster in Lynchburg 32

35 ACTIONS: Shelda Wills and Helen Dean to attend Churchwide in Louisville, KY Diane Patty continues working with Missions in the community Janice Wells is working with local organizations in support of Justice and Peace Continue working with young ladies to ensure they understand what Presbyterian Women do in support of the church and the community. Continue the public relations to let our church and the community know that Presbyterian Women are here to help and support our youth and women RECOMMENDATIONS: None. REPORT OF THE SESSION RECORDS WORKGROUP INFORMATION: The Session Records Work Group continues to receive and review both past and current session minutes. Please see the Addendum for the quarterly report showing the running record of minutes submitted for review. Churches are reminded to pick up minutes that have been reviewed by the Session Records Work Group at the end of each Presbytery meeting. Picking up the minutes will save the Presbytery mailing cost Past or current sets of minutes may be submitted for review at any time. However, 2017 session minutes are due for review during the year 2018, and the Work Group reviews session minutes alphabetically by church name at each Presbytery meeting. The remaining schedule for the review of 2017 session minutes is as follows: Churches whose name begins with J-O (August 18) Churches whose name begins with P-W (November 15) The Work Group will conduct another Session Records Workshop/Training Event to assist Clerks of Session in January Specific information will be sent to all Clerks of Session in late November. Any questions concerning minutes can be asked of Dave Hayes at the addresses below, at any time. Please feel free to ask! Churches that do not bring their 2017 Session Minutes to a Presbytery meeting are asked to send them, along with a completed Session Records Review Form, to Dave Hayes, Chair of the Session Records Work Group, Blacksburg Presbyterian Church, 701 Church Street, S.E., Blacksburg, VA Any questions concerning Session Minutes should be directed to Dave at or davidlavhayes@gmail.com. Churches should NOT send Minutes to the Presbytery Office! 33

36 Materials to assist Clerks of Session in their duties, including the Session Records Review Form are available on-line through the Presbytery website at Click on Resources ; next click on Forms & Documents ; and finally click on Session Records to view these materials. REPORT OF THE STATED CLERK INFORMATION: The Minutes of the Presbytery were submitted for review according to procedures established by the Synod of the Mid-Atlantic. After review, they were found to be complete and in order. At the request of the Presbytery Cabinet, the Stated Clerk, the COM liaison, and the Chair of COM will meet with the Session of the Providence Presbyterian Church in response to their letter stating that they wish to consider being dismissed to another denomination. RECOMMENDATIONS: 1. FOR CONSENT AGENDA: That the minutes of the one hundred sixteenth Stated Meeting of the Presbytery of the Peaks (May 3, 2018) as reviewed by those persons designated by the Standing Rules, be approved. 2. FOR CONSENT AGENDA: That motions be reduced to writing and sent to the clerks table before discussion. 3. FOR CONSENT AGENDA: That all committee reports be received. INFORMATION: REPORT OF THE COMMITTEE ON CHURCH DEVELOPMENT Working on improvement of grant request project Regional follow up meetings on church vitality continue with thoughts for the next steps Working on reorganization of the Committee on Church Development for greater effectiveness in all areas of responsibility Reviewing Committee on Church Development s involvement in disposition of properties ACTIONS REPORTED: 1. Granted request for $ to Grace Presbyterian Church to help with expenses of participating in the Community Fair. 34

37 RECOMMENDATIONS: None. REPORT OF THE MISSION STUDY TEAM At the May Presbytery Meeting, we invited participants into a time of study, as we continue to seek God s guidance for the life of Peaks Presbytery. Collectively, you all studied passages from Matthew s Gospel, 1 Corinthians, Hebrews, and Ephesians. You read a portion of the Form of Government, as it relates to the responsibilities of a presbytery. Then you were asked to consider what stands out to you what did you see or hear that tells us where we ought to be headed? Where is God leading us? What should our priorities be in light of these readings? Finally, you were invited to consider the six priorities that were most-frequently stated at the February Presbytery Meeting, when participants were asked about their hopes for the presbytery. You voted with your stickers, or offered new insights. The results of that poll were: 1. That Presbytery focus on relationships and building community (97 votes) 2. That Presbytery help small and/or struggling churches (77 votes) 3. That Presbytery facilitate connections between congregations (64 votes) 4. That Presbytery focus on ministry to young adults (45 votes) 5. That Presbytery better utilize communication and technology tools (25 votes) 6. That Presbytery restructure/reconsider the staff set-up (14 votes) Some new insights were added: 1. That Presbytery provide opportunities for action and service (5 votes) 2. That Presbytery encourage our churches to listen to and respond to those who are at the margins in our world and communities (4 votes) 3. That Presbytery put more emphasis on ecumenical programs/relationships. 4. That Presbytery pay more attention to the issues of the Black Caucus. Since the May meeting, members of the Mission Study Team have been making an effort to reach out to members of our presbytery who may not have had an opportunity to take part in these conversations, especially: presbytery staff, members of the Presbyterian Women, the Black Caucus, Youth Council, Clergy under age 40, and congregations with fewer than 100 members. We are asking everyone the same questions: What are your hopes for Peaks Presbytery? What should Peaks Presbytery look like in a best-case-scenario? Where is God leading us? In the coming months, we hope to consider the Mission Statement of Peaks Presbytery, and whether a revision is needed. Along with that, we plan to recommend a Vision and set of Priorities. We will then use this Vision to consider what form our presbytery might take: What Committees and Staff arrangements will best carry out our mission? What programs should be 35

38 initiated, strengthened, or eliminated? What should the Presbytery office look like, and where should it be located? How should our budget reflect our priorities? What type of leader are we searching for in our next General Presbyter? As always, we welcome feedback from all corners of the presbytery. Please feel free to send any comments, questions, or ideas to or First Presbyterian Church, PO Box 824, Pulaski VA Melissa McNair-King, Chair CLOSING BUSINESS Report on Attendance and Absences.John Wiederholt, Stated Clerk Resolution of Appreciation..Ed McElmurray Closing Prayer..Dick Boswell ATTENDANCE AND ABSENCES PRESBYTERY OF THE PEAKS AUGUST 18, 2018 Teaching Elder Members of the Presbytery.. 48 Commissioned Ruling Elders Present and Entitled to Vote. 7 Ruling Elder Commissioners/Cabinet/Committee Chairs 59 SUB-TOTAL VOTING: 114 Other Teaching Elders Serving in Peaks Visiting Ministers. 5 Certified Christian Educators Youth Advisory Delegates. Visiting Ruling Elders Other Visitors 17 Presbytery Staff Not Included Above... 3 SUB-TOTAL NON-VOTING 53 TOTAL ATTENDANCE 167 Total Teaching Elders Excused. 20 Teaching Elders Absent 17 Churches Not Represented by Ruling Elder Commissioners

39 NEXT MEETING THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 15, 2018 FIRST PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH, DANVILLE 9:00 4:00 37

40 Appendix A 38

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